Amanda suddenly had a brilliant thought. "Maybe she slipped inside without anyone noticing?"

Sophia jolted with realization—that was definitely a possibility.

Before either woman could act, they spotted Samuel heading directly toward Elise.

As for Elise, she felt countless eyes following her as she entered the grand banquet hall, but she maintained perfect composure until she saw Samuel approaching.

"What are you doing here?" he asked in a hushed tone.

"I don't believe that's any of your concern," Elise responded coolly. "This event is hosted by the Levines, not your family."

"The Scotts didn't bring you here, and Stellar Group would never receive an invitation. How did you get in?"

"So you're accusing me of something?"

"It would be humiliating if you're caught crashing a private banquet, Elise!" Samuel snapped sharply.

Elise frowned at his harsh words, but then he suddenly softened, his expression turning almost kind.

"Never mind—just stay close to me, and I'll tell anyone who asks that I brought you as my guest. To everyone here, we're still in a relationship anyway."

As he spoke, he reached out to take her hand...

But she moved away completely, avoiding his touch.

Samuel's face darkened immediately. "I'm doing this for your own good. I'm trying to help you."

"I don't need your help," Elise refused icily. "Let's just keep our distance from each other."

With those final words, she walked away gracefully, leaving him standing there with his expression twisting in fury.

Even as she departed, his eyes lingered on her stunning gown that hugged her perfect figure, making her look absolutely breathtaking.

"I can't stand this," Amanda growled as she watched the exchange between her brother and Elise. "He still cares about her!"

Sophia felt equally indignant—they had already broken up, yet Samuel still couldn't let Elise go?!

But she wasn't about to let Elise steal him back!

"Amanda," Sophia whispered conspiratorially into the other woman's ear. "Since Elise sneaked in, we could..."

Amanda listened intently to Sophia's scheme, and a cunning smile spread across her face as well.

The two women then made their way toward the banquet hall entrance.

Elise stood in a quiet corner of the lavish banquet hall, sipping champagne from a delicate glass.

She observed the sophisticated gathering with an aloof gaze, taking in the scene of wealth and power.

These were all influential people—she recognized many from financial magazines and business articles.

Naturally, she had met some during her desperate attempts to save Scott Enterprise during its crisis, enduring numerous embarrassing social calls to court potential backers.

She remained quiet in her corner... until a uniformed attendant approached her.

Only her eyes moved to acknowledge him.

"Excuse me, Ms. Scott, but we've received information that you weren't actually invited to this banquet. If possible, could you please present your invitation for verification?"

Though the attendant maintained a respectful tone, his approach immediately drew attention from nearby guests.

The atmosphere around Elise shifted instantly, the friendly chatter turning to suspicious whispers.

"Someone actually crashed this event?! How disgraceful!" a woman nearby scoffed loudly.

"To think I'd witness something like this in my lifetime," another guest added with disdain.

"What are you talking about? That's Elise Scott! She's capable of anything—haven't you heard what she did when she was eighteen?!"

"She's clearly used to this kind of behavior..."

Sophia and Amanda stood nearby, watching Elise with smug satisfaction, relishing every moment of her impending humiliation. They would make sure she ended up completely miserable today!